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VZ(storm) user wanting to switch, tether/root question

H

hworph

Lurker
Greetings android peeps! So this is less of an introduction, and more of a question/plea for advice/info... but didn't know where to post it...


I currently have a verizon blackberry storm 9530, and can't believe I've put up with this phone for nearly 2 years! Well... it has worked for my purposes, just annoying in many ways...

I am considering the Thunderbolt, but am worried about VZW's new data plans (I'll have 4G where I live later this year supposedly).

My main concern is with tethering. I currently have VZW's broadband connect with 5GB allowance (which serves as my home internet connection). I would like to know about rooting an android phone to allow tethering. I don't like breaking customer agreements, but $20 for 2GB and then $20/GB after that??? is an utter rip off!!!

Anyone here have experience with tethering via pdanet, or other apps? How does it compare to VZW broadband, in terms of speed, reliability? Also, If I root the phone, does that mean I can tether without downloading an app?

Also, I have several discounts on my line which makes renewing my plan difficult... $45 for mobile data + 5GB tethering... wish I could just change devices without changing anything on my plan...

If I do 5GB tethering on a rooted android, will VZW come down on me (I don't use much data otherwise... maybe 200KB on average mobile data)? The reps at the VZW store even recommended pdanet to me... but that doesn't mean much, as they will do anything to sell you a phone!

btw... I'm fairly familiar with phone mods (MotoRazr seem editing, BB hybrid OS installing), so I figure I should be comfortable rooting a phone.

Hopefully, I'll be part of the android family soon!
:D
 
Right now you are paying $45 a month for your internet that includes tethering with 5gb cap.

If you get the thunderbolt you will be paying $50 a month for internet with only $2gb.

I suggest rooting your phone and either using PDA net or Wifi Tether. I use both programs and PDA net works flawlessly, and Wifi Tether sometimes cuts out and I have to reopen the app.

I personally would just pay the $30 a month for mobile internet, root the phone and use those two applications to use the internet and tether. You'll save $15 a month and you'll have unbelievable speeds with 4G coverage.

Also, when I had my data plan that was capped at 5GB, I've gone over several times without any question or problems, but YMMV.

When I purchased the thunderbolt and activated the phone online, I couldn't find one piece of fine print that said the data was capped at 5GB. It just says unlimited. I believe with the new data plan they don't cap you at 5GB, but rather throttle your speeds once they see excessive use.
 
thanks for the welcome and responses!

So an app is required to tether on a rooted android? ...such as pdanet, wifitether, barnacle, or many of the others...

how do the speeds on those compare to the "official" vzw tethering plan? pdanet on my storm is about half as fast as the VZW tethering...
 
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